Computer Question. Do I need a new One?

[brutusthedag]

New to the board and to auto repair (no money, so I gotta do it myself!). I have a 2000 Explorer Sport sohc. I was, and possibly still do have Idling issues (I cleaned the IAC today, so I'll see if that took care of the problem.) Initially, when I brought the truck in for service (for the idling problem) they took this little yellow hand-held device and plugged into an "outlet" right next to the hood release lever. The mechanic told me that there was no "reading" and the truck probably needed a new computer(YIKES!), because it was not sending info to his hand-held unit (he also said he wasn't even getting enough juice to power up the unit). As a result he would not be able to diagnose the problem and fix the truck. That was it. After reading through this board am I safe to assume, that the hand-held thing was a "code reader". ALSO, could this be true, might I need a new computer, could it be a fuse or something? Other Then the above mentioned idling problem, the truck is sweet. Thanks in advance.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It was probably a code reader, or a scanner. If your PCM (powertrain control module, or better known as the computer) is not good, the vehicle would not start. Maybe the technician did not set up his tool proplerly. You could have a place like AutoZone read your codes for free. Not every problem could throw a code. Do you have a check engine light or a flashing overdrive light?

 

[brutusthedag]

No check engine light

Thanks for the fast response. Nope. No check engine or flashing OD light (my door ajar light has been stuck on since the problems started, probably just coincidence?)

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you try to clean your MAF sensor? That part could cause a rough idle.

 

[brutusthedag]

Where is that

Thanks again. Where is it located? With what do I clean it?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Take it to another shop - that tech has no idea what he's doing. The diagnostic port is under the dash. Some people have had issues with a blown fuse killing the diagnostic port - there is a post about it in the computer/EECV section. I am moving this to the computer section

-Drew

 

[brutusthedag]

Thanks.

Thanks. But Like I mentioned, I gotta do it myself. Thanks for your help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

MAF stands for mass air flow sensor. It is located on the intake between the air cleaner box, and the throttle body.

 

[IAmTodd]

Check the fuse for the lighter. It pulls power through there. Had a problem with my scangauge not connecting, bad fuse, replace fuse, all better.

 

[ma96782]

If you haven't already........

IMHO........BUY..........INVEST..........in a good manual, like: Haynes or Chiltons

I'm not trying to be a smart a$$........the book really helps. Along with the knowledge gained here.




Aloha, Mark

 

[brutusthedag]

Thanks.

Thanks Mark. I was planning on it. So much stuff to consider. I'm, in the Trades but I've Never been ANY KIND of a mechanic. Construction is starting to slow down a bit here in the N.E., money's tight, so I'd figure I'd better start learning how to "do it myself." Thanks for the help.

 

[Turdle]

Hope this helps
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154711&highlight=cleaning+mafs

 

[brutusthedag]

Thanks again.

Thanks. It does help.